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The new naturalization law
Expert article in migration law
New naturalization law: clarity after a long wait
After a long period of waiting, there is finally clarity on when the new Naturalization Act will come into effect. It was published in the Federal Law Gazette on March 26, 2024, and will take effect three months later, on June 26, 2024.
Previously, immigrants had to decide whether to apply for German citizenship by renouncing their previous citizenship. Only in a few exceptional cases and with a very high level of justification was it possible to obtain dual citizenship or for Germany to recognize that the previous citizenship did not need to be renounced but could be retained. However, this led to many immigrants refraining from applying for German citizenship despite fulfilling the legal requirements and a willingness to actively contribute to societal life in Germany because they did not want to renounce their previous citizenship. This demonstrated that German nationality law was not adequately geared towards addressing the needs of people with immigration backgrounds.
What does the new Naturalization Act entail exactly?
It stipulates that the minimum residency period required to apply for citizenship in Germany will be shortened from eight years to five years. For exceptional integration achievements, this minimum residency period will be further reduced to three years. Additionally, there are relaxations in language requirements and entitlements to social benefits. Overall, the new Naturalization Act signals that Germany has embraced globalization and, in particular, values people with migration backgrounds and their entire histories, without pushing them to completely leave behind their countries of origin. Rather, it acknowledges that in a globalized world, one can feel equally connected to two different states: the one where they were born and raised and the one they consciously immigrated to and chose to spend part of their lives in.
If you have any further information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact me online.
Finally:
If you now meet the legal requirements and would like to apply for German citizenship, it is helpful to check with the relevant immigration authority whether information on the processing time for new naturalization applications is already available on their website. You can also check whether it will be possible to submit the application online once the law comes into force.
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